James Edward Boddie

February 20, 1939 - September 20, 2020

James Edward Boddie, 81, of Estero, FL died on Sunday, September 20, 2020. He was born on February 20, 1939 in Tipton, TN, the oldest of 12 children of the late Edgar and Julia Ann (nee Summerville) Boddie. He was a resident of Estero for 16 years, moving from Plymouth, MN. Jim received his doctorate in education from the University of Kansas and worked for public school districts in Kansas, Iowa, and Minnesota. In his long career, he served as a public school teacher, principal, administrator, and university professor. From 1984 to 2004, Jim worked as an assistant superintendent for the Osseo Area Schools in Minnesota. He retired from public school education in 2004 and continued to work part-time as a university professor and as a watercolor artist. Jim was a member of Lamb of God Church in Estero, FL. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Boddie, of Estero, FL; two daughters, Sharon Rivera of San Antonio, TX and Shelley Boddie of Alexandria, VA; his stepdaughter, Sara Van Tassel and her husband, Chris, of Aurora, IL; four brothers, Charles, Michael, Oscar, and Kenneth, and four sisters, Julia, Brenda, Barbara, and Carolyn. He is also survived by a grandson, Michael Davis-Yates and his wife Rebekah, and two step granddaughters, Emma and Mia VanTassel. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings. A virtual memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, December 6, 2020. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, family owned and operated since 1978.